Students from UVM GO Community: Global Connections used the herbs they collected at Burlington’s Ethan Allen Homestead to prepare a traditional Ethiopian dinner with local chef Alganesh Michael.
Students from UVM Summer Enrichment Scholars Program participating in a silent disco night at Arts Riot in Burlington, VT.
First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program students participating in program retreat.
Students from UVM Summer Enrichment Scholars Program picking herbs at Conscious Homestead in Winooski, VT.
UVM TREK Leaders welcoming in their TREKkies to campus at the annual TREK Kick-Off!
UVM GO Cities students are all smiles leaving the Metro station in Washington, D.C..
Students and leaders from UVM GO International: Montreal take in The Illuminated Crowd by sculptor Raymond Mason near the McGill University campus.
First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program students exploring Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, VT.
Students on Adventure TREK exploring the peaks of the Green Mountains before setting up camp for the night.
Pre-Orientation Programs at UVM are geared to immerse students in a smaller community even before their New Student Orientation in August. Reflecting various interests and experiences, Pre-Orientation Programs offer opportunities for academic discovery, adventure, meaningful connections, and a sense of community.
Below, you can learn more about the Pre-Orientation Programs offered by the University of Vermont. The Summer Enrichment Scholars Program, UVM GO, UVM TREK, and the First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program are available for new students before the start of the Fall 2024 semester.
While some of these adventures may interest you, note that some program dates overlap. Before applying, read the description of each program to choose the opportunity that best piques your interest. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the staff directly via their UVM email.
Don’t worry, all of our Pre-Orientation Programs will have you back in time to join your group at New Student Orientation!
Summer Enrichment Scholars Program (SESP)
June 26 - August 3, 2024
UVM The Summer Enrichment Scholars Program (SESP) is a FREE five-week pre-college program that supports the holistic success of our incoming first-year UVM students that identify with one or more of the following: Students of Color, First-Generation college student, and/or Limited socio-economic backgrund. All students with an interest in SESP may appy. SESP is sponsored by The Mosaic Center for Students of Color.
UVM GO
UVM GO is a pre-orientation program for incoming first-year students which focuses on global learning, developing intercultural knowledge and skills, and building community. Each experience allows students to develop their awareness of global issues and make connections in their community and beyond. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with UVM faculty, alumni, and local experts- all while having fun and making new friends.
UVM GO International: July 29 - August 2, 2024
UVM GO International is a five-day travel experience that offers students the opportunity to explore an international location with UVM faculty leaders who have extensive knowledge of the region and program theme. Trips offered in 2024 include:
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Montreal, QC, Canada
- Costa Rica
- Iceland
UVM GO Cities: August 6 - August 9, 2024
UVM GO Cities is a four-day travel experience held in cities around the United States. Each program is designed around a topic with a global impact and led by faculty with extensive knowledge of the city and program theme. Trips offered in 2024 include:
- Washington, D.C.
- New York, NY
- San Franciso, CA
- Chicago, IL
UVM GO Community: August 19 - August 21, 2024
UVM GO Community is an early move-in opportunity within your assigned Residential Learning Community (LC). Students engage in community building and experiential learning activities centering on a global topic. Programs are designed and led by UVM faculty and Learning Community staff and take place in the greater Burlington area three days before New Student Orientation. Partnering LCs include:
- Arts & Creativity
- Gaming Collective
- Global Connections
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Leadership & Social Change
- Language Arts Scholars Program
- Outdoor Experience
- Patrick Leahy Honors College
- Sustainability
- Wellness Environment
Registration for the UVM GO lottery begins in April.
UVM TREK
UVM TREK: August 16 – August 21, 2024
Beginning six days before New Student Orientation, TREK is an early-arrival program that provides incoming students with the opportunity to build community with their peers while exploring and serving right here in Vermont (and sometimes NY).
TREK trips range from community service projects centered around themes like housing insecurity, food systems, and environmental conservation to outdoor excursions and adventure-sport trips like backpacking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Service TREK participants can expect summer-camp style lodging and activities, while Adventure TREK participants can expect more rustic accommodations (think camping and tents!). No prior knowledge or experience required to participate in TREK.
OPEN TO: All incoming undergraduate first-year and transfer students.
COST: $1000+ (Financial assistance is available.)
REGISTRATION: TREK operates on a lottery system. Registration is NOW OPEN and CLOSES ON May 8, 2024. Selected participants will be notified by June. All remaining spots will be available to incoming students on a first-come, first-serve basis in late June.First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program
August 18 - 21, 2024
First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program is a free opportunity for first-generation college students to form meaningful connections with one another, faculty, and staff and learn about academic and social resources at UVM through a first-gen lens. The First Scholars Pre-Orientation Program is open to students who will be full-time first-year students during the Fall 2024 semester.
Note: UVM defines a first-generation student as a student for whom no parent or guardian has completed a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university.
International Student Pre-Orientation
August 19 - 22, 2024
International orientation is required of all new international students, and gives you time and information to successfully begin your studies at UVM. Visit the International Student Orientation webpage to learn more about the activities at International Student Pre-Orientation.
International Student Move-In
August 19, 2024 from 9am-4:30pmAll international students will join the larger New Student Orientation program on August 22 after International Student Pre-Orientation concludes.
